Window structure



Sept. 12, 1961 P. H. LAUER 2,999,279

WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed July 22, 1957 3 Sheets-$518M l INVENTOR. PAUL H. L AUER Sept. 12, 1961 Filed July 22, 1957 P. H. LAUER 2,999,279

WINDOW STRUCTURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 J W W INVENTOR.

PAUL H. LAUER 6/ w/Qd' A? Sept. 12, 1961 P. H. LAUER 2,999,279

WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed July 22, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. I2

INVENTOR. PAUL H. LAUER BY #14051 Fig/6 6365? United States Patent 2,999,279 Patented Sept. 12, 1961 2,999,279 WINDOW STRUCTURE Paul H. Lauer, Cuyalroga Falls, Ohio, assignor to The Falako Corporation Filed July 22, 1957, Ser. No. 673,350 Claims. (Cl. 20-52) The invention relates in general to combination windows and more particularly to combination windows having the frames and panels thereof made of vinyl plastic material.

An object of the invention is to provide a combination window constructed substantially entirely from vinyl plastic.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window construction wherein the combination frame includes hollow plastic side members and hollow plastic top and bottom members mitered at their end portions and fixedly secured together by corner members each extending into a side member ad a top or bottom member and being secured thereto by solvent welding or by a suitable adhesive.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window frame having a hollow plastic side member which is provided with a groove on an inner portion thereof to partially recess a spring which spring aids in retaining a storm panel and a screen panel within the frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window frame having a construction to permit the drainage of water therefrom in the event of inclement weather conditions when a storm panel is left open or when a screen panel is in the frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window frame having a side member with a wall means which serve as tracks for panels and which also serve torecess a spring member which is utilized to retain the panels.

Another object of the invention is to provide a comhination window having storm panels with a new and novel construction and means for holding and sealing the panes of glass.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window having a screen panel with a new and novel construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a com bination window having side members each of which has first and second vertical extending tracks spaced from each other by an outwardly recessed portion and having first and second panels each having first and second legs only one of which engages one of said tracks with the other of said legs overlying said recessed portion thereby reducing sticking between the side members and the panels and reducing the sticking of the panels upon any distortion of the side members.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window which is exceptionally durable, strong, and which is unaffected by cold and heat and which will not burn.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination window having panels therein which panels are constructed in combination with the side members of the frame to keep sticking of the panels to a minimum.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of this invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of the combination window of the present invention in place within the frameworlcof a conventional household window frame;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view in section taken along the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged view of the right end portion of FIGURE 3',

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the frame of the combination window with the screen and storm panels removed therefrom;

FIGURE 7 is an isometric view of the lower left-hand corner of the combination window frame shown in FIG URE 6, partially in section;

FIGURE 8 is an isometric view of a portion of the bottom member forming a part of the combination window frame shown in FIGURE 6 and which lies adjacent the portion of the bottom member shown in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG- URE 6;

FIGURE 10 is a view taken along the line 1010 of FIGURE 6; 7

FIGURE 11 is an isometric view of one of the storm panels used making up the combination window;

IGURE 12 is a partial isometric view of another storm panel makingup the combination Window;

FIGURE 13 is an isometric view of a screen panel making up the combination window;

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 1414 of FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-45 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 16-16 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 17 is a sectional view taken along the line 1717 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 18 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 1813 of FIGURE 11; and

FIGURE 19 is a view taken along the line 19--19 of FIGURE 6.

The combination window of the present invention includes generally a frame 20 within which two storm panels 21 and 22, respectively, and screen panel 23 are adapted to reside. FIGURES 1 through 5 best show the relative location of these component parts with respect to each other and FIGURES 6 through 19 illustrate each component part in more detail.

FIGURES 1 and 2 show the conventional home window frame which includes a sill 26, side frames 27 and 28, respectively, and a top frame 29. Conventional frames 30 and 31 are adapted to slide up and down in the usual well-known manner. As shown in FIGURE 2, the two storm panels 21 and 22 reside in the upper-half of the ,frame 20 and the screen panel 23 is shown in position in the lower portion of the frame. The storm panel 22 is used in this position to close the window under inclement weather conditions. This would be the position of the panels in summer weather. In winter weather, the screen panel 23 would be exchanged for the storm panel 22 and would in effect be stored in this position until the next summer. 1

The combination window frame 20' is shown in detail in FIGURES 6 through 10 and includes a first and second side member 33 and 34, respectively, interconnected at their opposite end portions by top and bottom members 36 and 37, respectively (see FIGURE 6-). The side members 33 and 34 are of the same construction and each has front and back walls 40 and 41, respectively, interconnected by inner and outer walls 44 and 45, respectively, to form a hollow construction. A portion of the walls 40 of the side member and of the walls 62 of the top and bottom members. form a flange 72 which retain panels in the frame. The inner wall 44 includes first and second side portions 47 and'48, respectively, which'side portions 3 lie generally in the same'plane and form first and second tracks, respectively. A recessed portion 45? interconnects the first and second side portions 47 and 4S and this portion is recessed toward the outerwall 45 to form in effect a groove 50 on the inside of the inner wall 44. The purpose of the groove 50 will be described in more detail hereinafter. A panel retaining spring 53 is located in the groove 50 of each ofthe side members 33 and 34 (FIGURES 6 and 9). Each of the panel retaining springs has a base portion 55 and first and second retaining leaves 56 and 57, respectively. The base portion 55 resides within the groove 50 or it might be said is recessed within the groove and screws 59 extend through the base portion and into the inner wall 44- to fixedly secure the retaining spring in place. These springs 53 serve to secure screen and storm. panels withinthe frame 20 as will be described hereinafter. Each of the side members 33 and 34 have opposed end portions which are mitered as at 63 at substantially 45 degrees to the extent thereof to interfit with the end portions of the top and bottom members 36 and 37 which also have their end portions mitered at substantially 45 degrees.

The bottom member 37 (FIGURES 7 and 8) is pro vided with front and back walls 62 and 64, respectively, interconnected by inner and outer walls 66 and 67, respectively, to form a hollow construction. The inner wall 66 of the bottom member 37 has first and second parallel panel retaining proje'ctions70 and 71, respective ly, extending longitudinally thereon. The panel retaining projections 70 and 71, respectively, lie in substantially the same planes as do the end portions of the retaining leaves 56 and 57, respectively, of the panel retaining springs 53. As best seen in FIGURES 2 and 6, the back wall 64 of the bottom member 37 is adapted to engage the sill member 26. As mentioned hereinabove, the bottom member 37 has its end portions mitered at substantially 45 degrees to the extent thereof which interfit with the mitered end portion of the side members to form 90 degree corners. FIGURE 7 shows the interfitting of the lower end portion of the side member 34 and an end portion of the bottom member 37. A corner member '74 is provided which has first and second leg portions 7 6 and 77, respectively, which leg portions are disposed substantially 90 degrees from each other. The first leg portion 76 resides and is secured within the hollow construction of the side member. The second leg portion 77 has wall means 79 which define a notched portion within which the mitered end of the inner wall 44 of the side member 33 resides. The second leg portion 77 resides and is secured within the hollow construction of the bottom member 37. This second leg portion has a groove 81 extending across the upper side thereof thus forming a passageway between the second leg portion and the inside of the inner wall 66. The mitered end of the inner wall 66 of the bottom member 37 engages the first and second tracks 47 and 48, respectively, thus spacing the' same from the recessed portion 49 and this forms an opening 83 (FIGURE to provide communication between the groove 50 in the inner wall 4 4 of the side member 34 and the groove 81 on the upper side of the second leg portion 77 of the corner member 74. Wall means 85 define an opening in the back wall 64 of the bottom member 37 between the inner and outer walls 66 and 67 to provide communication from the hollovv construction of the bottom member. Wall means 86 define slots through the inner wall 64 of the bottom member at the place where the inner wall engages the sill 26. As shown in FIGURE 19, these slots extend at an acute angle with respect to the extent of the inner wall 64. The reason for extending the slot other than at right angles to the extent of the inner wall is to keep light from inside the house or similar structure from shining directly through this opening. This insures that insects which fly toward a light source will not be attracted by the light and will therefore not some in. through the. slots or iringsv 86.

4 The frame 20 is secured in place by screws 87 which extend through the walls 41 and 64 into the frame of the conventional window.

The storm panels 21 and 22 are best seen in FIGURES 11, 12, 14, 15 and 18. Each of the storm panels 21 and 22 includes four side members, three of which are identical and have been identified by the common reference numeral 89 and the fourth side member of panel 21 has been identified by the reference numeral 90. The fourth side member of the panel 22 has been indicated with the reference numeral 91. The end portions of all of the side members are mitered at a 45 degree angle to interfit with an adjacent side member. Each'of the side members of the storm panels 21 and 22 includes first and second wall members 94 and 95 (FIGURE 14), respectively, which extend in generally spaced parallel planes and which are interconnected together by an interconnecting Wall member 96. These three wall members form a generally H-shaped configuration. A glass panel retaining ledge 8 extends longitudinally on the inside of each of the first wall members 94- and a sealing member retaining ledge 99 extends longitudinally on the inside of each of the second wall members 95 and faces the glass panel retaining ledge 98. A glass panel 101 having edges 102 and edge portions 103 is provided. The edges 102 engage the glass panel retaining ledges 98 and the edgeportions on one side of the glass panel engage the inside of the first wall members 94. A sealing member 105 engages the edge portions of the glass panel on the other side thereof and has a groove thereon which interfits with the sealing member retaining ledge 99 to secure the sealing member in position. Each of the second wall members 95 is provided with a corner retaining member 1107 which extends longitudinally on the inside thereof and this corner retaining member along with the glass panel retaining ledge and the interconnecting wall member 96 constitute wall means for holding a corner member 109. The corner member 109 is provided with first and second leg portions 110 and 111, respectively, which connects and holds the end portions of adjacent side members together. The first leg portion 110 resides within the wall means of one side member and the second leg 111 resides withinthe wall means of an adjacent side member. It is, of course, realized that four of these corner members are utilized in holding and securing the four side members of the storm panel together. The difference between the side member 90 of panel 21 and the side member 91 of the panel 22 is that member 90 is provided wit-h an overhanging lip 112 which is absent from member 91, and member 91 has a gripping member 1113 which is absent from side member 90.' The corner members 109 are secured in position by coating them with an adhesive before putting them into place or by dipping them into a solvent which renders the surface sticky and thus, when the leg portion is inserted within the wall means, it will become securely stuck in place after a short period of time.

The screen panel 23 best shown in FIGURES l3, l6 and 17, includes four side members 115. Each of these side members 115 has ends which are mitered on a 45 degree angle to interfit with an adjacent side member. Each of the side members shown in FIGURE 17 includes first and second wall members 116 and 117, rmpectively, which extend in spaced parallel planes and which are secured together by a connecting wall member 118, to form a generally H-shaped configuration. A screen securing extension member 129 extends as a continuation of the first wall member 116 and forms a groove 122. Each of the first and second wall members 116 and 117, respectively, are provided with a corner retaining ledge 124 extending longitudinally on the inside surface thereof. A screen member 125 is provided which has edge portions 126 which reside in the grooves 122 of the extension members. A securing cable 127 is pressed into the groove over the edge portions of the screen members to secure the same in the grooves. A screen corner member .129 having first and second leg portions 130 and 131 is provided for connecting the end portions of adjacent side members together. Each of the first and second leg portions has grooves 132 on either side thereof which Egrooves interfit with the corner retaining ledges 124 when the first and second leg portions of the corner member reside within the first and second wall members of adjacent side members. The corner members 129 of the screen panel are secured in place in the same way as the corner members of the storm panel. The side members of the screen panel are identical with the exception of the bottom side member which has been shown in section in FIGURE 17. The only difierence in this side member is that it has been provided with a handle member 133 which extends from the extension member 120. This is used in handling the screen panel when it is desired to move it with respect to the frame 20.

When it is desired to put the screen and storm panels into the frame 29 as shown in FIGURE 2, the panel 21 is inserted into the lower portion of the frame shown in FIGURE 6 below the retaining springs 53. The panel is placed in the frame so that the first wall member 94 of the side members of the storm panel abut the flange 72 on the window frame. In this position, the first wall member or leg 94 of the storm panel engages the first track 47 and second wall member or leg 95 of the storm panel overlies the groove 50 of the side members 33 and 34 (see FIGURE 5). The storm panel 21 is then moved upwardly into the position shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 5. When in this position, the first leaf 56 of the retaining spring 53 engages the first wall member 84 of the two vertical side members 89 of the storm panel 21 to hold this storm panel in this position. The upper side member of the storm panel 21 is held from moving outwardly of the name by means of the flange 72 and is prevented from moving rearwardly by means of the engagement with the panel retaining projection 137 on the top member of the frame 20 which corresponds to the panel retaining projection 7 on the bottom member of the frame 20. The screen panel 23 is next placed in position by putting it into the position shown in FIGURE 2 where the wall member 116 of the screen panelis'securely held between the panel retaining projection 70 and the flange 72. The screen panel will come into this position because'there is a gap as at 135 (FIGURE 2') which allows the screen panel to be moved upwardlyso that the wall 116 will drop over'the retaining projection 70 and finally reside in the position shown in FIGURE 2. This gap'135 is closed by means of the overhanging lip 11-2 on the member 9G'of the storm panel 21. The storm panel 22 is next placed within the frame 20 as best shown in'FIGURES 2, 3, and 5. In this position, the wall member 94 of'the storm panel 22 engages the wall member 95 of the storm panel 21. The second'leaf 57 of the spring 53 engages the wall member 94 of the storm panel 22 tohold it in the position shown in FIGURE 2. It is also secured in place by means of a panel retaining projection 138 on the top member 36. With the storm panel 22 in the position shown in FIGURE 2, it can be lowered to any vertical position within the framegZtlIto either partially or completely close the screenpanel 23. Under winter weather conditions, the storm panel 22 is placed in the position of the screen panel 23' and the screen panel 23 is stored in the position of the storm panel 22 shown in FIGURE 2.

Because of the construction of the side members 33 and 34 of the frame 20, wherein the recessed portion 49 provides the groove 50 so that when the storm panels 21 and 22'slide adjacent each other (see FIGURE and because the panels have only a portion thereof engaging the side members represented by the wall member or leg 94 engaging the track 47 and the wall member or leg 94 of panel 22 engaging the track 48, there will be little or no sticking between the storm panels 21 and 22.

After the combination window has been in place in a home for a period of time, there sometimes results in a shifting and sagging of the home. This often results in a twisting of the members and as a result a certain amount of force and distortion upon the combination window and framework. 'In the conventional type window, if there is much displacement of the combination window where the frame engages the panels, excessive sticking will result. Because of the construction of the present invention, only a portion of each panel slides on the side members of the fname, and little, if any, sticking will result. In the event that the screen panel is in the position shown in FIGURE 2 and rainy weather conditions result without a closing of the screen, any water which blows through the screen and into the groove 50 or between the side members or onto the upper surface of the bottom memberwil-l find its way to the opening 83 (FIGURE 10) and will form and flow in the groove 81 into the hollow construction of the bottom member 37. From there it will find its way through the hole 85 down on to the sill '26. From the sill 26, the water will flow through slots 86 on down the sill and on to the ground.

In addition to the hereinabove given purpose, the construction of the side members 33 and 34 with the recessed portion 4-9 forms the groove 50 and also serves to recess the base portion 55 of the retaining springs 53. If the base portion were not recessed, then it would conflict with and prohibit the movement of the storm and screen panel relative thereto. In efifect, the only portion of the spring members which should be out in the same plane as (the storm and screen panels are the leaves 56 and 57.

The method and means of constructing the storm and screen panel so as to secure the pane of glass and screen thereof are also of a novel construction and add to the utility of the hereinafter claimed structure. The use of vinyl plastic for the construction of the major portion of the combination window provides a weatherproof ma terial and also one which will not burn. The combination window construction herein shown is also very economical to manufacture and is exceptional with regard to its strength characteristics.

The openings 86 in the wall 64 may be for the sake of example only, 0.75 inch wide, .625 inch high'and .080 inch long. Outside air is admitted through the above described openings 86, circulates over the end of the sills which are, of course, invariably low and which always retain moisture. After the air passes over this moisture laden surface, it is discharged back into the outside atmosphere by passing between the junction of the combination window frame and the inside of the conventional window framework within which it resides. This constrction reduces the moisture menace to a minimum and also constitutes a condensation barrier.

Although this invention has been described in its pre ferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes'in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be'resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. In a window frame structure including a side memher and a bottom member, said side member having front and back walls interconnected by inner and outer walls to form a closed hollow construction, said inner wall comprising first and second side portions lying generally in thesame plane and forming first and second tracks, and a recessed portion recessed toward said outer wall and interconnecting said firstand second side portions, said recessed portion forming a groove in said inner wall of said side member, a panel retaining spring member having a base portion and first and second retaining leaves, said base portion residing in said groove, screw means securing said base portion in said groove with said leaves spaced from said inner vwall and adapted to retain panels within said combination window frame, said side member having an end portion mitered at substantially 45 degrees to the extent thereof, said bottom member having front and back walls interconnected by inner and outer walls to form a closed hollow construction, said inner wall of said bottom member having first and second parallel panel retaining projections extending longitudinally thereon, said back wall of said bottom member adapted to engage a sill member, said bottom member having an end portion mitered at substantially 45 degrees to the extent thereof and interfitting with said mitered end portion of said side member to form a. 90 degree corner, a corner member having first and second leg portions disposed substantially 90 degrees apart, said first leg portion residing and secured within said hollow construction of said side member, said second leg portion having wall means defining a notched portion which notched portion receives the rnitered end of said inner wall of said side member, said second leg portion residing and secured within said hollow construction of said bottom member, said second leg portion having a groove extending across the upper side thereof, said mitered end of said inner wall of said bottom member engaging said first and second tracks and being spaced from the recessed portion to form an opening to provide communication between said goove in said inner wall of said side member and said groove on said upper side of said second leg of said corner member, wall means defining, an opening to provide communication from said hollow construction of said bottom member, and wall means defining a slot through said back wall of said bottom memher, said slot extending at an acute angle with respect to the extent of said back wall of said bottom. member.

2. A window frame structure comprising opposed side members and first and second panel members, said opposed side members having flanges extending therefrom, said first and secondpanel members being in sliding engagement with each other and each having first and second legs, each said side member having first and second tracks separated by wall means defining a recessed portion, a spring member secured to each side member and each having a base portion and first and second leaves, said base portions residing in said respective recessed portions with said first leaf of each spring member engaging said first legs of said first panel to hold same against said flange, said second leaf of each spring member engaging said first legs of said second panel. to hold same against said first panel, said first legs of said first panel member engaging said first tracks of said opposed side members for sliding engagement therewith, said second legs of said first panel member overlying said recessed portion, said first legs of said second panel member overlying said recessed portion, and said second legs of said second panel member engaging said second tracks of said opposed side members, for sliding engagement therewith.

3. A window frame structure including a side member and a bottom member, each said side and bottom member comprising front and back walls interconnected by inside and outside walls to define hollow constructions, adjacent ends of said side and bottom members being miteredto interfit with each other, said inside wall of said side. mem her having a recessed portion defining a groove extending lengthwise of said side member, a. corner member having first and second leg portions, saidfirst. leg portion residing in the hollow construction of said side member and said second leg portion residing in the, hollow construction of said bottom member thereby securing said side and bottom members together, said mitered end of saidinsidewall of said bottom member engaging said mitered end of, said inside wallof said side member with said recessed portion being spaced therefrom to define an opening, wall means defining a groove in said second leg portion of said corner member, said groove in said second leg portion connecting with said opening to provide communication between said groove of said side member and said hollow construction of said bottom member, and wall means in said bottom member defining an opening from the hollowconstruction thereof,

4. A window frame structure including a side member and a bottom member, each said side and bottom member comprising front and back walls interconnected by inside and outside walls to define hollow constructions, adjacent ends of said side and bottom members being mitered to. interfit with each other, said inside wall of said side member having a recessed portion defining a groove extending lengthwise of said side member, a corner member having first and second leg portions, said first leg portion residing in the hollow construction of said side member and said second leg portion residing in the hollow construction of said bottom member thereby securing said side and bottom members together, said mitered end of said inside wall of said bottom member engaging said mitered end of said inside wall of said side member with said recessed portion being spaced therefrom to define an opening, wall means defining a groove in said second leg portion of said corner member, said groove in said second leg portion connecting with said opening to provide communication between said groove of said side member and said hollow construction of said bottom member.

5. A window frame and panel structure comprising opposed side members and first and second panel members slidable along their side edges between said opposed side members, said first and second panel members being in face-to-face sliding engagement with each other, each said sidemember having first and second walls facing the side edges of the panel members and defining first and second tracks with each track having substantially parallel sides and a web, said firs-t and second tracks being separated by wall means which defines a recessed portion with respect to said tracks, said second track having an inwardly facing flange at the outer side thereof, each said panel member including first and second spaced legs extending toward said first and second tracks and each having an end surface defining said side edge, said end surface of said first leg of said firstpanel member abuttably engaging said web, of said first track for sliding engagement therewith and guiding said first panel relative to said opposed side members, said end surface of said second leg of said first panel member overlying said recessed portion, saidend surface of said first leg of said second panel member overlying said recessed portion and said end surface of said second leg of said second panel member abuttably engaging both said web and said inwardly facing flange of said, second track for sliding engagement therewith and guiding said second panel relative to said opposed side members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED. STATES PATENTS 

